As rents have increased, so have the number of renters. Nationwide, 102.5million people paid rent in 2011, up from 89 million in 2007.

Written by

Anthony Panissidi
| Asbury Park (N.J.) Press

Drew Elia and Kelsey Tooker might lack a kitchen pantry and scenic living room view, but they do have a message for those who are ready - or think they are ready - to move into their first apartment.

"Don't go in thinking that a two-bedroom, ocean-view apartment's only going to be $900 a month," said Elia, 26. "It's a lot more."

High rents are just one of the challenges confronting young - and especially first-time - apartment renters in New Jersey. Most compromise when they realize the apartments they can afford often come with minor drawbacks. They have to make lifestyle sacrifices. ...